Two weeks ago, Fall came on hard and it rained quite a bit in New England. I was sorely wishing I had some rain shoes. No, not those silly rubber things that go over the dress shoes, but proper rain shoes. Specifically, the classic L.L. Bean rubber moccasin.
this pair of Bean gumshoe lace-ups comes my way, for $9.99. Short top, three eyelets, fits like a shoe, not a boot. The day I found them, it was raining like hell, and I changed into the right there in the store, I was so excited.Is the Bean slip on moc cooler than the lace-up? No question. Do I like the rubber moc better? No question. But, if you're going to be a cheapskate, you've got to learn how to compromise.
The trick is to do it without sacrificing quality, or real style. Because those are two points on which no gentleman should ever compromise.
I think the mocs look a bit odd and the laceups much cooler. Good find.
ReplyDeleteI love the mocs! I had them for years. The look didn't go over so well in the UK. So I started wearing wellies.
ReplyDeleteI love all styles of Bean boots (besides the clog version), but I am partial to the "boot" versions i.e. 8"-12"...nonetheless fantastic boot, which I intend on purchasing for myself and posting about.
ReplyDeleteI prefer the laced gumshoe to the rubber moc. I like my ankles dry.
ReplyDeleteWhile I have the Bean mocs, they do tend to let water in on the sides when it's really coming down, so you may be better off with the lace ups.
ReplyDelete"...do it without sacrificing quality, or real style. Because those are two points on which no gentleman should ever compromise."
ReplyDeleteSorry to be a dissenting voice, but there are those of us who would disagree that these Bean shoes are in any way "stylish." (As an aside, I remember when colorful knock-offs of these shoes were fashionable in the early 80s.)
Having said that, I mut agree with your claim about their quality, and I would definitely wear them in the yard or for camping. Great find!
I can't get over that heel in the L.L. Bean model - it's too high for me. I wear wellies with a quilted jacket in the fall/winter and wellies with my khakis tucked in with a polo in spring/summer. Sans nationalistic divides, Hunter>L.L. Bean.
ReplyDeleteI like the lace-ups better, too. Nice get.
ReplyDeleteThrow some leather laces in there my man and you've got a "look".
ReplyDeleteThe thrifting gods smile on you quite often.
ReplyDeleteWhile I believe in sticking to the originals, my options are limited to what the thrift shops offer. I found the Eddie Bauer version of the lace ups, complete with the most incredibly warm and comfortable shearling interior. For me - imitation over original.
ReplyDeleteI own the Polo knockoffs,and they aren't even close to being waterproof;the welts on the front are stitched(!)...you should change the laces,though...
ReplyDeleteLike the lace up's better too.
ReplyDeleteLove your blog and read it all the time. Very inspiring! I moved to NY 15 years ago from Berlin and was even before a big fan of classic American clothes. I used to have a full wardrobe from Brooks Brothers bought (mostly)at the Salvation Army. I switched over to the British variation years back, when I started to make some money. Now I'm rediscovering American styles again. Have two kids now myself and sometimes get caught with my red corduroys from Cordings on a playground in the middle of Brooklyn.
I like the lace ups better, too, but is it really that much cooler in Mass. than it is in Philly. Today it was 82, but it felt more like 92. I swear July is back.
ReplyDeleteI've a similar pair of lace-ups and they're fantastic for wet weather days. Also great once the snow has sat on the side of the road for a few weeks and turned to that grey slush that takes forever to disappear. Even saved my feet during a monsoon once.
ReplyDeleteThat said, today I did wear "those silly rubber things that go over the dress shoes." Meh, whaddaya gonna do?
I found a pair of the LL Bean lace-up rain boots at a thrift store in Florida. They're in great shape and very comfortable. I wear them often in England. I've never seen anyone else wearing them this side of the pond.
ReplyDeleteAs an American I am obligated to vote for LL Bean over Wellies.
ReplyDeletePadeen
Is it only me, but I do not consider these "shoes" syylish at all...I wont wear them not even in my backyard. Sorry but they look akward to me...
ReplyDeleteAthens,
ReplyDeleteI think these shoes strike a lot of Europeans as a little weird. Hell, they are a little weird. BUt here in New England, they are the absolute standard in foul weather foot wear.
I'll bet that if you send them off to be reworked at Bean they could simply install the mock upper.
ReplyDelete